Definition of stupendousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stupendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, monstrous implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness.

the monstrous waste of the project

When is prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, prodigious suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size).

made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside

Where would tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupendous The mantra heading into second-quarter results is that another display of stupendous growth of 24% over a year earlier makes equities appear quite reasonably priced. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 14 July 2026 Between Sandoval’s 4 1/3 innings of one-run ball and a stupendous collective effort by the Boston bullpen, the Red Sox completed a 2-1 victory and series sweep of the White Sox in a brisk two hours and 32 minutes. — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 9 July 2026 The Boston bullpen followed with stupendous collective effort, and in a timely two hours and 32 minutes, the Red Sox completed 2-1 victory for a series sweep of the White Sox. — Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026 Since SpaceX’s stupendous debut, the math governing a potential union has improved substantially. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • Reclaiming the work of women selling fish, and the word that was an insult but is now a beautiful brand, is a wonderful turn of phrase and time, to us.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • But De Santis is also wonderful at the end of the day, when the sun sets and Milan slowly begins to wind down.
    — Emma Bocchi, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The half-day Istanbul tour was amazing, with a visit to Zeyrek Mosque, exploring the Basilica Cistern, and wandering the Spice Market, alive with the most fragrant foodstuffs.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The ubiquitous carbon fiber looks amazing, of course, from the wide front intake to the active-aero winglets, fairings, the seat subframe, and even the license plate holder hanging off the tail.
    — Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s not to say anything of the sort is guaranteed soon — single events are never guaranteed this far out — but there are reasons to take this El Niño seriously thanks to just how astonishing some of the numbers are.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Doing so three consecutive games would be astonishing, but the sportsbooks don’t necessarily put it past them.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 27 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Continue reading … BOLT FROM ABOVE — Couple recounts 'miraculous' rescue after surviving harrowing lightning strike during evening stroll.
    — , FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The Catholic Church has officially recognized 72 healings as miraculous at Lourdes, out of more than 7,000 cases examined since 1858.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The Panic of 1837—perhaps the worst of them all—gave rise to a long series of marvelous psychoses culminating in Know-Nothingism, which flourished around a dozen years after the crash.
    — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • O’Flynn is marvelous—brittle one moment, wonderfully funny the next—and her easy chemistry with Johnson gives the film its pulse.
    — Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The train itself isn’t luxurious, but taking it gives you a front-row seat to witness the incredible feat of engineering required to load it onto special tracks on the ferry.
    — Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Nearby Priego de Córdoba has some lovely tapas spots and fruit and vegetable stands with incredible fresh produce.
    — Alicia Sanchez, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Expect a pan-European menu of pimientos de padron peppers, warm leek salad and a surprising tuna Milanese with fun twists like a wagyu sando.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Some of these products are practical, while others are just plain fun, but each one shows how surprising Amazon’s selection is.
    — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • On the upper level will be a cafe that leads to the most picturesque setting in college basketball, a patio area where the ocean view of Malibu is stunning and mesmerizing.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The one-mile round-trip route involves a substantial number of stairs, but the payoff is a stunning waterfall.
    — Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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